Best time to visit Mongolia
Best time of year to visit Mongolia
The world's second-largest landlocked country is mostly covered by vast grassy steppe. Due to cold winters, tourist season runs here mainly from May to October. However, the best time to visit Mongolia to enjoy its short summers and colourful ethnic celebrations is July. During this month visitors can see the traditional Mongolian Bökh Wrestling and the famous Naadam Festival, which features archery and horse racing and is often called the Mongolian Olympics. You can also see the Yak Festival in Bat Ulzii in Orkhon Valley, where you can watch yak polo. On your visit to Mongolia, instead of booking a hotel you can try camping in an authentic nomadic ger. And make sure you try the wine drink Arkhi, Mongolian milk-based alcohol, for the complete experience.
27 THINGS TO DO IN MONGOLIA (JULY 10 - JULY 19)
Naadam Festival
Men show off their best skills at three manly games: archery, wrestling, and horse racing
Mongol Rally
One of the greatest motor adventures of the world takes its route from the UK to Russian Ulan Ude, making a spectacular way through Mongolia
Ger Camping
Instead of the usual hotel, Mongolia offers something unique and authentic—traditional nomadic ger camping
Visiting Tsaatan Tribe
Meet the reindeer nomads during their short-lasting stay out of the taiga's deep forests
Bökh Wrestling
The traditional sport favored by Genghis Khan himself, is a must for every Mongolian
Wildlife Watching
The Mongolian wilderness resembles a zoo, with only one difference: animals and birds are freely living in their natural habitat
Throat Singing
Hypnotizing sounds seem to be coming from the afterlife—Mongolian singing must be the weirdest traditional music in the world
Horseback Riding
Horses are inseparable from the nomadic lifestyle, and a must-do experience for whoever wants to feel the local mode of life
Cycling
The variety of landscapes and lots of wildlife makes biking in Mongolia a true adventure
Airag
Raw mare's milk is inedible at least for lactose-intolerant Mongols, but when fermented—it is quite the opposite
Archery
In Mongolia, one may observe the world's best archers and receive firsthand knowledge of the skill's secrets
Yak Polo
It is a funny sight to observe Mongolians and their uncontrollable yaks cooperatively playing yak polo
Sunset at the Flaming Cliffs
Judging from the discovery of dinosaur eggs, one could assume this beautiful site used to be the home to many such creatures
Trekking in the Altai
The pure alpine beauty in the wildest surounding of Western Mongolia
Boating
Enjoy the wild beauty of Mongolia on a peaceful boat trip
Birdwatching
Mongolia's natural habitats are especially full of bird life during migration season
Yolyn Am Canyon
Home to eagles, vultures, and wild sheep, the area is decorated by bright wildflowers in summer and covered in ice in winter
Wildflowers of Steppes
The abundance of Mongolian wildflowers are a sight to behold, feed millions of grazing livestock, and are even believed to have curative properties!
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
If you want to explore the limestone caves and mountains of the ancient seabed, head to Dundgovi Province
Mongolian Horse
Mongolian horses can be found with colouring ranging from white to gray, brownish-gray, chestnut, and black
Yak Milk Specialities
Health-boosting "aarul," "urum" cream, Mongolian butter, soft kefir yogurt, and cheese—all from yak's milk
Hot Springs
The hot mineral-rich water of the Mogoit hot springs is said to cure allergies, sore joints, and strengthen one's nervous system
Fishing
Fishermen in Mongolia have the chance to catch the large and tasty Siberian salmon—Taimen
Rafting
Besides the thrill provided by the sport itself, you can discover nature, wildlife, and hidden tribal settlements
Arkhi or Mongolian Milk Wine
When the taste of a wine resembles slightly bitter cheese it is strange indeed, but the hard-to-find authentic alcohol is worth a try
Kayaking and Canoeing
Thousands of local rivers are waiting for you to explore the untouched wilderness on a kayak or canoe
Orkhon Waterfalls
This white foaming beauty is the result of ancient volcanic eruptions
20 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Mongol Derby
out of rangeWith the toughest terrain to pass, the Mongol Derby is considered to be the most challenging and longest horse race in the world
Hiking and Mountaineering
out of rangeHiking trips reveal great nature and unusual architecture—imperial ruins, former monasteries, and abandoned cities
Shamanism
out of rangeProfessional shamans will connect you with spirits, but listen carefully as maybe your ancestors are trying to tell you something
Singing Sands in the Gobi Desert
out of rangeNature itself composes music played by blowing winds and rolling sand
Welcome Baby Animals with Nomads
out of rangeMass birthing occurs in Mongolia in spring, and nomadic husbandry is busy welcoming the new-born young
Tsagaan Sar
out of rangeThe Lunar New Year feast provides a great occasion to truly indulge in meat dumplings, just hope that the thaw does not spoil all the food stored outside
Winter Clothing
out of rangeWonder how one can dress warm and look stylish at the same time when it is -30 to -40 °C outside?—Mongolians know perfectly well how!
Hunting with Eagles
out of rangeFemale eagles do not try to act lady-like and break all stereotypes with their aggressive hunts
Thousand Camel Festival
out of rangeA thousand fluffy humpbacks atop a frozen lake!
Dog Sledding
out of rangeThe Mongolian winter fairy tale is best showcased on a relaxing sled ride powered by strong Siberian dogs
Hay Harvest
out of rangeThe actual gathering of hay is the most pleasant part of the otherwise laborious but vital hay making process
Autumn Colours
out of rangeSiberia is particularly charming when birches, poplars, and larches show off with golden yellow hues
Nauryz (Spring/New Life) Festival
out of rangeMongolian Kazakhs are never kinder and more generous than during their new year celebration
Hunting
out of rangeThe Mongolian wilderness sustains nomads with delicious game, namely wild goats, sheep, and above all—marmots
Skiing and Snowboarding
out of rangeWho said winter was an unfavourable season? This is a great time for a ski adventure amidst the frozen wilderness
Genghis Day
out of rangeA ceremony composed of grand soldiers with symbolic banners and brave Mongolian horses that highlight a celebration the birth of great Mongolian leader
New Year's Eve
out of rangeRing in the New Year at Genghis Khan Square in Ulaanbaatar
Meat Dishes
out of rangeThroughout winter Nomads warm up with barbeque, meat dumplings, meat-based soups, and dried meats
Ice Skating
out of rangeHave fun in any of the capital city's numerous ice rinks, or better on the frozen river
Winter Dzud
out of rangeCan you imagine the wild Siberian beauty of winter transforming into an animal cemetery?—Sad, but true, indeed
